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Professional Medical Coding Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

... by aiding in their professional advancement. Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it's a ... Review ICD, CPT, and revenue codes to determine if diagnosis and treatment are authorized as part ...

College coursework in medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology. * Certification as Professional Coder, Coding Specialist, Inpatient/Outpatient Coder. Experience Required * Minimum of three years ...

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Professional Medical Coding information

See Alaska salary details

$17

$24

$37

How much do professional medical coding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional medical coding in Alaska is $24.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.42 and $25.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Professional Medical Coder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Professional Medical Coder, you need a strong understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems such as ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS, usually supported by certification like CPC or CCS. Proficiency with medical coding software, electronic health records (EHRs), and billing systems is essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills help coders ensure accuracy and efficiency. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring proper reimbursement, compliance, and minimizing billing errors in healthcare settings.

What is professional medical coding?

Professional medical coding is the process of translating healthcare diagnoses, procedures, medical services, and equipment into standardized alphanumeric codes. These codes are essential for billing purposes, insurance claims, and maintaining accurate patient records. Medical coders use classification systems such as ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS to ensure that healthcare providers are reimbursed correctly and that records are maintained consistently. This role requires attention to detail, knowledge of medical terminology, and familiarity with healthcare regulations.

What is the difference between Professional Medical Coding vs Medical Billing Specialist?

AspectProfessional Medical CodingMedical Billing Specialist
Primary RoleAssigns standardized codes to medical procedures and diagnosesPrepares and submits insurance claims for reimbursement
CertificationsCPMA, CPC, CCSGenerally no specific coding certifications required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, insurance companiesMedical offices, billing companies, hospitals
Key FocusAccurate coding for billing and record-keepingEnsuring claims are correctly processed and paid

While both roles are essential in healthcare revenue cycle management, Professional Medical Coders focus on assigning accurate codes to medical services, whereas Medical Billing Specialists handle the claims submission and follow-up process. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job focus within healthcare administration.

Are medical coders still in demand?

Medical coders are currently in demand due to ongoing healthcare industry growth and the need for accurate medical billing and coding. The role requires knowledge of coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and certifications such as CPC can enhance job prospects. Employment opportunities are expected to remain steady as healthcare providers prioritize compliance and reimbursement processes.

What are some common challenges faced by professional medical coders and how can they be addressed?

Professional medical coders often face challenges such as keeping up with frequent updates to coding standards (like ICD-10 and CPT), ensuring accuracy amidst high volumes of records, and understanding complex medical terminology. Staying current requires ongoing education and regular review of industry updates. Effective communication with healthcare providers and leveraging coding software can help clarify ambiguous documentation and reduce errors. Many coders also find joining professional associations or peer groups useful for support and best practices.

What pays more, CCS or CPC?

In medical coding, Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credentials generally lead to higher salaries than Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credentials due to their advanced training and specialization. CCS coders often work in hospital settings and handle more complex cases, which can result in higher pay. However, salaries also depend on experience, location, and employer type.

What is the highest paying job in medical coding?

The highest paying roles in medical coding typically include coding managers, clinical documentation improvement (CDI) managers, and coding directors, who oversee coding teams and ensure compliance. These positions often require advanced certifications like CPC or CCS and extensive experience, with salaries reaching six figures in some cases.

Are medical coders going to be replaced by AI?

Medical coders play a vital role in translating healthcare services into standardized codes, and while AI tools are increasingly used to assist with coding tasks, they do not fully replace the need for human oversight and expertise. Skilled coders are essential for ensuring accuracy, compliance, and handling complex cases that require clinical judgment. Continuous learning and certification can help coders stay relevant as technology evolves.
What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Coding jobs in Alaska? The most popular types of Medical Coding jobs in Alaska are:
What are popular job titles related to Professional Medical Coding jobs in Alaska? For Professional Medical Coding jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Alaska are hiring for Professional Medical Coding jobs? Cities in Alaska with the most Professional Medical Coding job openings:
Medical Claims Specialist

Medical Claims Specialist

Searhc

Juneau, AK

$25 - $28.45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Pay Range:$25.00 - $28.45 Under the direction of the Director of Purchased/Referred Care (PRC), the Medical Claims Specialist is primarily responsible for timely and accurately processing/payment of medical claims into the PRC claims processing package while providing excellent customer service to claimants and vendors. Maintains good vendor relations, works closely and follows up with accounts payable while maintaining compliance with all Federal, State, Tribal Health, and SEARHC PRC guidelines and regulations.
Must work independently making judgment calls when supervisor is not available. Position requires the ability to sit for long periods of time in front of a computer terminal. Mental fatigue exists with the high level of concentration necessary to properly process medical claims for payment accurately and timely. The employee must be able to work under stressful conditions. The PRC office maintains copies of each individual patient record as required by law and SEARHC policy and this position ensures that requirement is met. May occasionally encounter verbal abuse from customers or family members.

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it's a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health insurance, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

Key Essential Functions and Accountabilities of the Job

  • Clerical duties such as answering phone, greeting patients and visitors, sending/receiving faxes, responsible for incoming and outgoing mail and responsible for security of all these forms of communication for patient confidentiality. Responsible for maintaining files including purging and shredding documents as needed and initiating and processing of denial and other letters as delegated by lead medical claims specialist. Review and screen all medical and dental claims from PRC health care providers. This requires verifying that the patient on claim is in our system using Cerner.

  • Performs alternate health resource verification.

    Responsible for providing new or updated demographic information and any alternate health resource information to Patient Access.

    Review claims to determine if a referral is on file.

    Coordinate with Patient Access department to generate a new health record for patients who are in outlying areas and have not previously registered at SEARHC.

    Establish patient eligibility according to established policies and procedures.

    Review ICD, CPT, and revenue codes to determine if diagnosis and treatment are authorized as part of the initial referral.

  • Management of data into the PRC claims processing program so that vendors can be paid timely. Process claims, using Medicare-like Rates when appropriate, for patients authorized to receive health services from facilities and providers outside of SEARHC.

  • Coordinate quarterly with CMS to obtain current Medicare-like Rates for non-tribal facilities.

    Perform insurance verification on each eligible beneficiary, review procedure and diagnosis codes to determine if services are covered under the SEARHC and Federal guidelines for reimbursement.

    Research unauthorized claims and take appropriate action.

    Provide alternate health resource information to private providers and facilities for all referred patients.

  • Provides assistance to customers regarding referrals and/or claim status, payment, patients admitted to non-tribal facilities, outstanding charges, and eligibility. Initiates, enters/update patient eligibility according to established procedures and Federal guidelines. Interpret PRC Program regulations, policies, and procedures to internal and external customers. Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Details:

Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required

  • High school diploma or equivalent.

  • Medical terminology course required or 1 year of documented experience in a medical field requiring consistent use of medical terminology.

Experience Required

  • 1 year of data entry experience with basic knowledge of accounts payable processing, MS Excel, and MS Word software applications.

  • 3 years of business or medical office experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Medical coding background preferred.

Knowledge of

  • State, federal, and tribal health care programs.

  • Medical insurance process.

  • ICD and CPT coding.

Skills in

  • Interpreting state, federal, and tribal contract health care guidelines.

  • Research and problem solving.

  • Oral/written interpersonal communication and excellent customer service skills.

Ability to

  • Ability to multitask.

  • Ability to enter large volumes of data timely and accurately.

  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

  • Ability to respond quickly in urgent situations with attention to detail.

Position Information:

Work Shift:Exempt

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!